Board bids farewell to principal, welcomes replacement

May 17, 2013

TORONTO - Board members congratulated the retiring principal of Karaffa Elementary School, while at the same time welcoming her replacement during Thursday's city school board meeting.

Patti Quinn was hailed by board members for her years of service to the district, most recently as the principal of the elementary school, according to Fred Burns, superintendent.

"It was Patti Quinn's last board meeting," said Burns, adding the board accepted her request for retirement and thanked her for her service.

"We hired a new principal for Karaffa Middle School to replace Patti. His name is Scott Bowling, and he lives in Malvern," continued Burns, adding Bowling will be commuting to Toronto daily. "He's got a two-year contract beginning Aug. 1, although he'll be on the job earlier."

Burns said Bowling served as a principal in the Union Local School District for four years and has been working in education for the past 10 years.

"We chose him because he seemed the best candidate and the best fit to compliment Toronto City Schools," said Burns, adding Bowling holds a superintendent's license in addition to a principal's certificate.

In other business:

"The cornerstone for the (district's) new building will be laid by Masonic Lodge 83 at 2 p.m. Sunday," said Burns.

An open house for the new building for the public to tour the facility is set for Sept. 29, he added.

The board voted to continue its contract with Nutrition Inc.

Karaffa Middle School has been named a high progress school of honor by the Ohio Department of Education. Wayne Elementary School in the Indian Creek Local School District also received that honor.

The next board meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on June 27 in the Karaffa Middle School library.